Gilded frames have a rich history, stretching back to the ancient world. The earliest known gilded frame, was created in Egypt in the second century A.D. Like the gilded frames of today, if featured burnished gold on a raised gesso design.

Gilding has been applied to wooden frames to make them look as if they were made of solid gold. It is process that has remained almost unchanged over the centuries. While the steps are well-established, gilding has always been very much of an art. After preparing the surface, a gilder applies thin layers of gold leaf, then burnishes, distresses, and adds patina to the gold to create the look of an historic, period frame.

Water gilding is the most common method of layering real gold on a frame and lets the precious metal show its full luster. There are number of choices in materials and techniques along the way that affect the look and quality of a professionally gilded frame.
The gilded frames that have evolved since the Renaissance encompass a host of styles, reflecting the styles of art and architecture of their times. A frame and artwork fit together in a way that reflects the taste of that particular period.

When choosing a gilded frame today, it is important to consider the aesthetics of matching a frame with the art so they merge into a single artistic statement. For example, an Italian-style painting tends to look more at home when placed in an Italian frame.

Sometimes a period style links artists with frame; at other times the artwork itself evokes a sense of time and place that calls for just the right gilded frame to set it off perfectly. With history and aesthetics as guides, there is sure to be a gilded frame that will be the right design choice for almost any piece of art.

The fine craftsmanship, history and beauty of water-gilded moulding is an important past of the history of custom picture framing. The art of water gilding has ben passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

Today, that history of craftsmanship is alive and well. Each hand-gilded frame, like a fine piece of jewelry, is truly a work of art in itself. There are many designs to choose from — contemporary, Spanish, Baroque, French, Art Deco and others. All of these designs reflect exceptional craftsmanship.

Hand water-gilded frames can turn a personal art collection into a museum-quality display for the home. For original art, a frame design representative of that time period or style of art can be selected to keep it authentic. old family photos, memorabilia and personal collections can also be surrounded by the finest frames available to create tomorrow's heirlooms.

These beautiful frames provide you with an opportunity to personalize art for your home and create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.